BREAKING NEWS: Carol Shea-Porter Not To Seek Reelection In 2018

Shea-Porter Statement on not seeking reelection in 2018

Rochester, NH— Today, Carol Shea-Porter released the following statement on her decision to not seek reelection:

“To the Good People of New Hampshire, the Greatest State in America,

Thank you so much for electing me to Congress for four terms. You gave me the great honor of representing our state and being the first woman ever to be elected to federal office from New Hampshire, and the first Democrat to represent New Hampshire’s First District in 22 years, and I have worked each day with only one thought—to serve our state and our nation. But the time has come in my life to pause and decide on a different path, so I am announcing my intention to leave the House of Representatives in January 2019, when my present term ends.

This has been a very difficult decision, given how much I have enjoyed serving [the people of New Hampshire] in the House and the fact that the 2018 election is shaping up to be like 2006, when I was first elected, an important time when Congress changed political leadership and was able to move America forward. While I certainly would enjoy being part of that, I felt the tug of family at our reunion on Independence Day, and I have continued to feel it. My family has said repeatedly that they would support any decision I made, and I am grateful to them for that and for all of their love and support through the years.

I have been blessed with an amazing staff who love New Hampshire’s people as much as I do, and with a very large contingent of wonderful committed supporters who share a vision of an America with government that believes in honest and open elections, creates opportunity for all, supports local business and grows the economy while it cares for its young, its old, and its most vulnerable citizens, and believes in good stewardship of our Earth and its resources. I first won in 2006 without a single paid staffer because of their hard work. I also thank Republican and Independent voters for their confidence, and I have listened to their concerns as well. Coming from a Republican family, I know that we need to hear each other, even if we don’t always agree on policy.

I have great faith in our ability to overcome challenges and to come together again, and I will continue to speak out. As Granny D, New Hampshire’s champion for campaign finance reform, said, ‘democracy is not something we have, it’s something we do.’ And as I always add, it will go away if we don’t “do” democracy by engaging on the issues and voting. I am greatly encouraged by the heightened civic engagement I am seeing.

I look forward to seeing the House change political leadership again and produce legislation that helps all Americans move forward, with both parties working together, and I will do my part to make that happen. I will also continue to advocate in Congress for the people of New Hampshire until January 2019. Thank you again for the great privilege of representing you.”

A personal note from Matt Murray, creator of the NH Labor News.

I have known Representative Shea-Porter for over ten years now. She was the first Congressional Representative I met in person. I have personally worked on her campaign in the past and have supported her all the way. Carol is truly on of the smartest and most progressive leaders in the House and has spent more than half of time in Washington fighting the uphill battle against the Republican domination. Carol’s outspoken advocacy for working people will be missed, but I would like to wish her the best in the future.

NHDP Chair Ray Buckley:

“Thank you Carol-Shea Porter for your four terms of service to New Hampshire and our country. You have served the Granite State with great distinction. Your unflinching devotion to the ‘99% of the rest of us’ for over a decade has been a clear call for reform & progress. New Hampshire is proud and honored to have you represent us in Washington and your presence will be dearly missed after 2018. Your leadership has undoubtedly inspired so many to stand up and fight for what they believe in. As the first New Hampshire woman elected to federal office, you are trailblazer and a role model for us all. While we are saddened by your departure, we know your leadership will have paved the way for another great New Hampshire leader to follow in your footsteps.”

Senator Jeanne Shaheen:

“Throughout her career, Carol has been a stalwart defender and champion of New Hampshire,” said Shaheen. “New Hampshire’s first district has been well served by her tireless devotion to the middle class and the most vulnerable in our society. As the first woman to be elected to New Hampshire’s federal delegation, she’s a trail blazer in her own right, who has been a fearless advocate for women’s equality. I look forward to working with her through the remainder of her term, and to seeing what the future brings.”

Senator Maggie Hassan:

“Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter has been a fierce advocate for the people of the first congressional district, and it has been an honor to serve alongside her. New Hampshire is a stronger state because of her tireless work to expand economic opportunity for Granite Staters, and her leadership will be sorely missed. I look forward to continuing to work with Congresswoman Shea-Porter for the remainder of the 115th Congress and beyond to deliver results for our great state.”

Congresswoman Annie Kuster:

“Carol Shea-Porter has been an incredible advocate for the people of her district and all of New Hampshire in her four terms in office. The first woman elected to Congress from New Hampshire, she has been a trailblazer for women in politics and has served as a strong voice for hardworking Granite State families. I have always – and will continue to – value her counsel and friendship in the House of Representatives. I know that she will remain a force in New Hampshire as she fights to improve the lives of all Granite Staters.”

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About NH Labor News

The New Hampshire Labor News is a group of NH Workers who believe that we need to protect ourselves against the attacks on workers. We are proud union members who are working to preserve the middle class. The NHLN talks mostly about news and politics from NH. We also talk about national issues that effect working men and women here in the Granite State.